Topic-specific practice · 42 questions for every official topic

AP Physics 1 MCQ Practice by Topic 2027

Choose a topic to open its full 42-question bank. The topic links from lesson pages land directly on the matching bank, so a student reviewing Topic 1.3 is not sent to a short generic diagnostic.

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How much AP Physics 1 MCQ practice is available?

There are 42 original multiple-choice questions for each of the 43 official AP Physics 1 topics, giving 1,806 topic MCQs with answers, explanations and lesson routing.

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43 topic banks.
42 MCQs per topic.
1,806 topic MCQs total.

Verified for 2026–27Updated August 31, 2026How this page is verified

All 43 topic banks

Choose the exact AP Physics 1 topic

All 43 official topics are available. Each MCQ bank contains 42 original questions and each FRQ bank contains four prompts aligned to the four current free-response task types.

Topic 1.1Scalars & Vectors in One Dimension42 MCQs Topic 1.2Displacement, Velocity & Acceleration42 MCQs Topic 1.3Representing Motion42 MCQs Topic 1.4Reference Frames & Relative Motion42 MCQs Topic 1.5Vectors & Motion in Two Dimensions42 MCQs Topic 2.1Systems & Center of Mass42 MCQs Topic 2.2Forces & Free-Body Diagrams42 MCQs Topic 2.3Newton’s Third Law42 MCQs Topic 2.4Newton’s First Law42 MCQs Topic 2.5Newton’s Second Law42 MCQs Topic 2.6Gravitational Force42 MCQs Topic 2.7Kinetic & Static Friction42 MCQs Topic 2.8Spring Forces42 MCQs Topic 2.9Circular Motion42 MCQs Topic 3.1Translational Kinetic Energy42 MCQs Topic 3.2Work42 MCQs Topic 3.3Potential Energy42 MCQs Topic 3.4Conservation of Energy42 MCQs Topic 3.5Power42 MCQs Topic 4.1Linear Momentum42 MCQs Topic 4.2Change in Momentum and Impulse42 MCQs Topic 4.3Conservation of Linear Momentum42 MCQs Topic 4.4Elastic and Inelastic Collisions42 MCQs Topic 5.1Rotational Kinematics42 MCQs Topic 5.2Connecting Linear and Rotational Motion42 MCQs Topic 5.3Torque42 MCQs Topic 5.4Rotational Inertia42 MCQs Topic 5.5Rotational Equilibrium and Newton’s First Law in Rotational Form42 MCQs Topic 5.6Newton’s Second Law in Rotational Form42 MCQs Topic 6.1Rotational Kinetic Energy42 MCQs Topic 6.2Torque and Work42 MCQs Topic 6.3Angular Momentum and Angular Impulse42 MCQs Topic 6.4Conservation of Angular Momentum42 MCQs Topic 6.5Rolling42 MCQs Topic 6.6Motion of Orbiting Satellites42 MCQs Topic 7.1Defining Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)42 MCQs Topic 7.2Frequency and Period of SHM42 MCQs Topic 7.3Representing and Analyzing SHM42 MCQs Topic 7.4Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators42 MCQs Topic 8.1Internal Structure and Density42 MCQs Topic 8.2Pressure42 MCQs Topic 8.3Fluids and Newton’s Laws42 MCQs Topic 8.4Fluids and Conservation Laws42 MCQs

Topic 8.3 · 42 MCQs

Fluids and Newton’s Laws Practice

All questions are original. Check each answer for immediate feedback and explanation, then use the lesson link inside the explanation when a concept needs repair.

Topic 8.3 representation anchorUse the picture together with words and equations—not as decoration.

Question 1

A fully submerged object displaces 0.002 m³ of water. Using ρ=1000 kg/m³ and g=10 m/s², what buoyant force acts?

A2 NB20 NC200 ND2000 N

Question 2

A 3 kg submerged object has 40 N buoyant force upward and weight 30 N downward. What is its vertical acceleration?

A3.3 m/s² upwardB10 m/s² upwardC3.3 m/s² downwardDZero

Question 3

An object floats at rest. Which relation must hold?

AF_B>mgBF_B<mgCF_B=mgDρ_object must equal ρ_fluid

Question 4

A fully submerged 1 L object in water displaces 1 L of water. Which Topic 8.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AFloating equilibriumBSinking/risingCArchimedes principleDApparent weight in fluid

Question 5

Which statement best defines Archimedes principle in Topic 8.3?

ABuoyant force equals the weight of displaced fluid.BA freely floating object at rest has buoyant force equal to its weight.CIf net force is downward, object accelerates downward; if upward, it accelerates upward (ignoring/including drag as specified).DScale/support force can be reduced by buoyant force.

Question 6

A second situation is observed: A floating block displaces enough water so displaced-fluid weight equals the block weight. Which concept is being applied?

AApparent weight in fluidBArchimedes principleCFloating equilibriumDSinking/rising

Question 7

A wooden block floats partially submerged. Which Topic 8.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

ASinking/risingBApparent weight in fluidCFloating equilibriumDBuoyant force

Question 8

Which statement best defines Floating equilibrium in Topic 8.3?

AA freely floating object at rest has buoyant force equal to its weight.BIf net force is downward, object accelerates downward; if upward, it accelerates upward (ignoring/including drag as specified).CScale/support force can be reduced by buoyant force.DNet upward force from fluid pressure differences on an immersed object.

Question 9

A second situation is observed: A ship settles deeper when loaded until it displaces more water. Which concept is being applied?

ABuoyant forceBFloating equilibriumCSinking/risingDApparent weight in fluid

Question 10

A dense rock initially accelerates downward in water. Which Topic 8.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AApparent weight in fluidBBuoyant forceCSinking/risingDArchimedes principle

Question 11

Which statement best defines Sinking/rising in Topic 8.3?

AIf net force is downward, object accelerates downward; if upward, it accelerates upward (ignoring/including drag as specified).BScale/support force can be reduced by buoyant force.CNet upward force from fluid pressure differences on an immersed object.DBuoyant force equals the weight of displaced fluid.

Question 12

A second situation is observed: A released air bubble accelerates upward due to buoyancy exceeding weight. Which concept is being applied?

AArchimedes principleBSinking/risingCApparent weight in fluidDBuoyant force

Question 13

A submerged object hanging from a spring scale reads less than in air. Which Topic 8.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

ABuoyant forceBArchimedes principleCApparent weight in fluidDFloating equilibrium

Question 14

Which statement best defines Apparent weight in fluid in Topic 8.3?

AScale/support force can be reduced by buoyant force.BNet upward force from fluid pressure differences on an immersed object.CBuoyant force equals the weight of displaced fluid.DA freely floating object at rest has buoyant force equal to its weight.

Question 15

A second situation is observed: A person feels lighter when supported by water. Which concept is being applied?

AFloating equilibriumBApparent weight in fluidCBuoyant forceDArchimedes principle

Question 16

Which relationship best represents this Topic 8.3 idea: Archimedes principle?

AΣF_y = ma_yBF_B = ρ_fluid g V_displacedCfloating fraction = ρ_object/ρ_fluidDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 17

In Topic 8.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with F_B = ρ_fluid g V_displaced?

AFor floating fraction = ρ_object/ρ_fluid: dimensionless for simple uniform floating objectBFor ΣF_y = ma_y: N = kg·m/s²CFor F_B = ρ_fluid g V_displaced: F_B: N; ρ: kg/m³; V: m³DAll quantities are unitless

Question 18

For Topic 8.3, consider this real application: 0.002 m³ water displaced gives about 19.6 N. Which relationship supports that result?

AF_B = ρ_fluid g V_displacedBfloating fraction = ρ_object/ρ_fluidCΣF_y = ma_yDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 19

Which relationship best represents this Topic 8.3 idea: Apply Newton II including buoyancy, weight, tension/drag as relevant?

Afloating fraction = ρ_object/ρ_fluidBΣF_y = ma_yCF_B = ρ_fluid g V_displacedDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 20

In Topic 8.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with ΣF_y = ma_y?

AFor F_B = ρ_fluid g V_displaced: F_B: N; ρ: kg/m³; V: m³BFor floating fraction = ρ_object/ρ_fluid: dimensionless for simple uniform floating objectCFor ΣF_y = ma_y: N = kg·m/s²DAll quantities are unitless

Question 21

For Topic 8.3, consider this real application: Floating at rest gives F_B−mg=0. Which relationship supports that result?

AΣF_y = ma_yBF_B = ρ_fluid g V_displacedCfloating fraction = ρ_object/ρ_fluidDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 22

Which relationship best represents this Topic 8.3 idea: Relate submerged fraction to densities?

AF_B = ρ_fluid g V_displacedBfloating fraction = ρ_object/ρ_fluidCΣF_y = ma_yDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 23

In Topic 8.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with floating fraction = ρ_object/ρ_fluid?

AFor ΣF_y = ma_y: N = kg·m/s²BFor F_B = ρ_fluid g V_displaced: F_B: N; ρ: kg/m³; V: m³CFor floating fraction = ρ_object/ρ_fluid: dimensionless for simple uniform floating objectDAll quantities are unitless

Question 24

For Topic 8.3, consider this real application: ρ_obj=.8ρ_water means 80% submerged. Which relationship supports that result?

Afloating fraction = ρ_object/ρ_fluidBΣF_y = ma_yCF_B = ρ_fluid g V_displacedDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 25

In Topic 8.3, analyze this situation: Block rests on water. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AT + F_B = mg at rest, so T=mg−F_B.BGreater total weight requires greater buoyant force, so boat displaces more water and sits lower.CF_B=mg; it displaces fluid whose weight equals block weight.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 8.3 idea

Question 26

Which Topic 8.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “F_B=mg; it displaces fluid whose weight equals block weight”?

ALoaded boatBFloating blockCSubmerged scaleDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 27

A student is deciding how to begin the “Floating block” situation. What is the best first move?

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 8.3 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 28

In Topic 8.3, analyze this situation: Object hangs underwater from a scale. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AGreater total weight requires greater buoyant force, so boat displaces more water and sits lower.BF_B=mg; it displaces fluid whose weight equals block weight.CT + F_B = mg at rest, so T=mg−F_B.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 8.3 idea

Question 29

Which Topic 8.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “T + F_B = mg at rest, so T=mg−F_B”?

AFloating blockBSubmerged scaleCLoaded boatDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 30

A student is deciding how to begin the “Submerged scale” situation. What is the best first move?

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 8.3 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 31

In Topic 8.3, analyze this situation: Cargo added to boat. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AF_B=mg; it displaces fluid whose weight equals block weight.BT + F_B = mg at rest, so T=mg−F_B.CGreater total weight requires greater buoyant force, so boat displaces more water and sits lower.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 8.3 idea

Question 32

Which Topic 8.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Greater total weight requires greater buoyant force, so boat displaces more water and sits lower”?

ASubmerged scaleBLoaded boatCFloating blockDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 33

A student is deciding how to begin the “Loaded boat” situation. What is the best first move?

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 8.3 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 34

In Topic 8.3, a student claims: “Floating means buoyant force is greater than weight.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBAt rest, they are equal.CThe claim becomes correct if all numbers are positiveDThe claim cannot be checked experimentally

Question 35

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 8.3 solution: “Floating means buoyant force is greater than weight.”?

AAt rest, they are equal.BKeep the misconception because it is a definitionCIgnore the physical model and compare only unitsDThe opposite of the misconception is always numerically zero

Question 36

In Topic 8.3, a student claims: “Buoyant force depends directly on object mass.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBIt depends on displaced fluid volume and fluid density.CThe claim becomes correct if all numbers are positiveDThe claim cannot be checked experimentally

Question 37

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 8.3 solution: “Buoyant force depends directly on object mass.”?

AIt depends on displaced fluid volume and fluid density.BKeep the misconception because it is a definitionCIgnore the physical model and compare only unitsDThe opposite of the misconception is always numerically zero

Question 38

In Topic 8.3, a student claims: “Pressure at all points on submerged object is the same.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBPressure increases with depth, producing the buoyant resultant.CThe claim becomes correct if all numbers are positiveDThe claim cannot be checked experimentally

Question 39

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 8.3 solution: “Pressure at all points on submerged object is the same.”?

APressure increases with depth, producing the buoyant resultant.BKeep the misconception because it is a definitionCIgnore the physical model and compare only unitsDThe opposite of the misconception is always numerically zero

Question 40

What should a student identify before calculating in Topic 8.3?

AOnly the final numerical answerBDraw fluid-force free-body diagrams, apply Archimedes’ principle, and analyze floating, sinking, and accelerating objects in fluids.COnly whether the quantity is positiveDEvery equation on the reference sheet

Question 41

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 8.3?

AThe topic has no defined scopeBInclude drag only when the problem specifies/model requires it; buoyancy follows displaced-fluid weight.CCalculus is required for every questionDOnly memorized numerical values are assessed

Question 42

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 8.3 lesson?

AFormula first → ignore meaning → memorize answerBDefinition → physical model → real examples → equation conditions → reasoning/practiceCPractice only → skip definitions and examplesDSearch a different page for every unfamiliar term before continuing

How much AP Physics 1 MCQ practice is available?

Choose the exact AP Physics 1 topic

Fluids and Newton’s Laws Practice

A fully submerged object displaces 0.002 m³ of water. Using ρ=1000 kg/m³ and g=10 m/s², what buoyant force acts?

A 3 kg submerged object has 40 N buoyant force upward and weight 30 N downward. What is its vertical acceleration?

An object floats at rest. Which relation must hold?

A fully submerged 1 L object in water displaces 1 L of water. Which Topic 8.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Archimedes principle in Topic 8.3?

A second situation is observed: A floating block displaces enough water so displaced-fluid weight equals the block weight. Which concept is being applied?

A wooden block floats partially submerged. Which Topic 8.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Floating equilibrium in Topic 8.3?

A second situation is observed: A ship settles deeper when loaded until it displaces more water. Which concept is being applied?

A dense rock initially accelerates downward in water. Which Topic 8.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Sinking/rising in Topic 8.3?

A second situation is observed: A released air bubble accelerates upward due to buoyancy exceeding weight. Which concept is being applied?

A submerged object hanging from a spring scale reads less than in air. Which Topic 8.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Apparent weight in fluid in Topic 8.3?

A second situation is observed: A person feels lighter when supported by water. Which concept is being applied?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 8.3 idea: Archimedes principle?

In Topic 8.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with F_B = ρ_fluid g V_displaced?

For Topic 8.3, consider this real application: 0.002 m³ water displaced gives about 19.6 N. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 8.3 idea: Apply Newton II including buoyancy, weight, tension/drag as relevant?

In Topic 8.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with ΣF_y = ma_y?

For Topic 8.3, consider this real application: Floating at rest gives F_B−mg=0. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 8.3 idea: Relate submerged fraction to densities?

In Topic 8.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with floating fraction = ρ_object/ρ_fluid?

For Topic 8.3, consider this real application: ρ_obj=.8ρ_water means 80% submerged. Which relationship supports that result?

In Topic 8.3, analyze this situation: Block rests on water. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 8.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “F_B=mg; it displaces fluid whose weight equals block weight”?

A student is deciding how to begin the “Floating block” situation. What is the best first move?

In Topic 8.3, analyze this situation: Object hangs underwater from a scale. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 8.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “T + F_B = mg at rest, so T=mg−F_B”?

A student is deciding how to begin the “Submerged scale” situation. What is the best first move?

In Topic 8.3, analyze this situation: Cargo added to boat. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 8.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Greater total weight requires greater buoyant force, so boat displaces more water and sits lower”?

A student is deciding how to begin the “Loaded boat” situation. What is the best first move?

In Topic 8.3, a student claims: “Floating means buoyant force is greater than weight.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 8.3 solution: “Floating means buoyant force is greater than weight.”?

In Topic 8.3, a student claims: “Buoyant force depends directly on object mass.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 8.3 solution: “Buoyant force depends directly on object mass.”?

In Topic 8.3, a student claims: “Pressure at all points on submerged object is the same.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 8.3 solution: “Pressure at all points on submerged object is the same.”?

What should a student identify before calculating in Topic 8.3?

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 8.3?

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 8.3 lesson?

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